HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) – Former Governor Ed Rendell says contrary to speculation, he has not changed his mind about remaining neutral in race for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination.

Rendell says some people – including other candidates – have gotten the mistaken impression that he’s supporting Allyson Schwartz for governor. He attributes that to his decision to co-chair a fundraiser for Emily’s List, an organization which promotes female candidates and is backing Schwartz for governor. Though Schwartz will speak at the event, Rendell says the funds raised will not go to the Congresswoman’s campaign.

The former governor says he has extremely high regard for Schwartz, but he has equally high regard for other candidates in the race.

“Three of them served in my cabinet and to try to choose one of those three would be like asking a father to pick his favorite among three children.”

Rendell says the primary will be a “true test” of who the strongest Democratic nominee for governor will be. And he says barring some “extraordinary new development”, he does not expect to change his mind and will not endorse a candidate in the primary.